Air Fryer BBQ Chicken
Ready in about 28 minutes.
Published by the RecipeAirFryer editorial team · How we source times · Updated
Times and temperatures come from our reviewed cooking database. Explanatory text on each page is generated from that entry so the numbers stay consistent.
Sticky barbecue chicken with charred edges and juicy meat. The air fryer gives you fast, flavour-packed results any night of the week.
Written for 4. Cook in batches rather than stacking if you scale up.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 tbsp oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 120 ml barbecue sauce
Method
- 1Rub the chicken with the oil and salt.
- 2Preheat the air fryer to 190°C / 375°F.
- 3Air fry for 12 minutes, flipping halfway.
- 4Brush with the barbecue sauce and cook for 4-8 minutes more until glazed and cooked through.
- 5Serve hot.
Tips for the best results
- Add sweet sauces toward the end so they do not burn.
- Boneless thighs stay especially juicy here.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Crowding the basket so air fryer bbq chicken steams instead of browning.
- Skipping the flip halfway, which leaves one side pale.
- Trusting the clock instead of a probe - Air Fryer BBQ Chicken is ready at 74°C / 165°F in the thickest part.
Frequently Asked Questions
What temperature and time for air fryer bbq chicken?
A typical starting point is 190°C / 375°F for 16-20 min, flip halfway. Thickness and wattage change the finish, so check early.
How do I know air fryer bbq chicken is cooked through?
Use a probe in the thickest part. Air Fryer BBQ Chicken should reach 74°C / 165°F. Rest a few minutes before slicing so juices settle.
How many people does air fryer bbq chicken serve?
This recipe is written for 4. For a fuller basket, cook in batches rather than stacking, or add a couple of minutes and shake more often.